Rick Steves Special

Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, teams up with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra and maestro Michael Miropolsky for a musical journey that begins in the United States, and touches down in seven different European countries. The special, taped at the Edmonds Center for the Arts near Seattle, Wash., celebrates music's power to stir the patriotic soul. Playing musical tour guide, Steves utilizes his extensive knowledge of European history and culture to help set the context for each piece. Then, the orchestra performs a selection of stirring 19th-century anthems by Romantic-era composers, including Grieg, Smetana, Strauss, Berlioz, Elgar, Wagner and Verdi. Each selection honors a particular nationality, while the finale, Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" (Europe's official anthem) pays homage to the continent's motto of "United in Diversity." The music is accompanied by a montage of evocative video images from each country.

Rick Steves advocates smart, independent travel. As host, writer and producer of the popular series Rick Steves' Europe, and best-selling author of more than 50 European travel books, he encourages Americans to delve deep into travel and become "temporary locals."

Rick Steves Special: Rome, Eternally Engaging

Episode #101H · In this hour-long travel special, Rick Steves explores the "Eternal City" of Rome, a grand and ancient metropolis rich with exquisite art, vibrant culture and centuries of history. In RICK STEVES SPECIAL: ROME, ETERNALLY ENGAGING, Rick traces the rise and fall of classical Rome, meanders through the heart of Bernini's Baroque Rome and makes a pilgrimage to the Vatican. Then, he uncovers the charms of hidden neighborhoods filled with character and energy, enjoys a Roman feast, and mixes and mingles with the locals during an early-evening stroll through the city's romantic nightspots.

Rick Steves Special: Rome, Eternally Engaging

Episode #101 · In this hour-long travel special, Rick Steves explores the "Eternal City" of Rome, a grand and ancient metropolis rich with exquisite art, vibrant culture and centuries of history. In RICK STEVES SPECIAL: ROME, ETERNALLY ENGAGING, Rick traces the rise and fall of classical Rome, meanders through the heart of Bernini's Baroque Rome and makes a pilgrimage to the Vatican. Then, he uncovers the charms of hidden neighborhoods filled with character and energy, enjoys a Roman feast, and mixes and mingles with the locals during an early-evening stroll through the city's romantic nightspots.

Rick Steves Special: Symphonic Journey

Episode #102H · Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, teams up with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra and maestro Michael Miropolsky for a musical journey that begins in the United States, and touches down in seven different European countries. The special, taped at the Edmonds Center for the Arts near Seattle, Wash., celebrates music's power to stir the patriotic soul. Playing musical tour guide, Steves utilizes his extensive knowledge of European history and culture to help set the context for each piece. Then, the orchestra performs a selection of stirring 19th-century anthems by Romantic-era composers, including Grieg, Smetana, Strauss, Berlioz, Elgar, Wagner and Verdi. Each selection honors a particular nationality, while the finale, Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" (Europe's official anthem) pays homage to the continent's motto of "United in Diversity." The music is accompanied by a montage of evocative video images from each country.

Rick Steves Special: Symphonic Journey

Episode #102 · Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, teams up with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra and maestro Michael Miropolsky for a musical journey that begins in the United States, and touches down in seven different European countries. The special, taped at the Edmonds Center for the Arts near Seattle, Wash., celebrates music's power to stir the patriotic soul. Playing musical tour guide, Steves utilizes his extensive knowledge of European history and culture to help set the context for each piece. Then, the orchestra performs a selection of stirring 19th-century anthems by Romantic-era composers, including Grieg, Smetana, Strauss, Berlioz, Elgar, Wagner and Verdi. Each selection honors a particular nationality, while the finale, Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" (Europe's official anthem) pays homage to the continent's motto of "United in Diversity." The music is accompanied by a montage of evocative video images from each country.